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‘Incredible’ response to autism charity’s appeal to make farm vision a reality

A charity has had an “incredible response” after appealing to businesses to help transform a County Durham farm and create a wealth of opportunities for autistic people.

The North East Autism Society (NEAS) launched the ‘Growing Futures’ appeal in March, with businessman and philanthropist Sir Peter Vardy leading the way by pledging £500,000.

Sir Peter challenged other businesses in the region to come together to match his donation, so that the bold vision for New Warlands Farm, near Burnhope, becomes a reality.

NEAS chief executive, John Phillipson, has now revealed that the charity is halfway to its target of matching Sir Peter’s pledge after being “overwhelmed” with financial donations and offers of ‘in-kind’ support.

“Having Sir Peter lead the way has created a great awareness of the campaign, and that has inspired an incredible response, giving us all the confidence we need to proceed with the development,” said Mr Phillipson.

The donations so far include £100,000 from the Reece Foundation, launched in 2007 by North East engineer and businessman, Dr Alan Reece, “to fund engineering, manufacturing and environmental initiatives to support sustainable prosperity”.

Multinational professional services company Turner & Townsend, which has worked with NEAS on previous projects, is providing cost and project management at the farm free of charge – estimated at a value of around £85,000.

Meanwhile, Direct Business Group, based at Houghton-le-Spring, has agreed to oversee the utilities infrastructure at New Warlands. The work, estimated to be worth around £100,000 to the charity, will ensure the development is sustainable and energy efficient.

James Henderson, the company’s chief of staff, is particularly passionate about the charity’s work because he was diagnosed as autistic and having ADHD just last year.

“The diagnosis at the age of 32 finally made sense of my life,” said James. “It’s not until you start to realise what neurodivergence is that you find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.

“Now, I want to use my own experience to help this fantastic charity to create this training hub that will help other autistic people gain new skills, secure jobs, and realise their full potential.”

Turner & Townsend director Steph Marshall added: “We have been working with NEAS for over 15 years, and we know how hard it is to deliver projects in today’s volatile market.

Therefore, when the opportunity came up to support NEAS again, we wanted to make a difference.”

Ms Marshall added: “This is an opportunity for us to apply our expertise to deliver long-lasting social impact.”

To learn more about Growing Futures, visit www.ne-as.org.uk/growing-futures.

If your company can support the appeal through fundraising or gifts in-kind, contact fundraising manager Kevin Meikle at kevin.meikle@ne-as.org.uk.

To donate to the appeal, visit www.ne-as.org.uk/donate-growing-futures.

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